US President Donald Trump announced on 27/1 that "another beautiful fleet is heading towards Iran, let's wait and see." Speaking at an event in Clive, Iowa, he added, "I hope they will reach a deal, something they should have done from the beginning."
This statement came a day after US Central Command (CENTCOM), the body overseeing US military operations in the Middle East, confirmed the USS Abraham Lincoln carrier strike group began its mission in the region. An unnamed US Navy official indicated the USS Abraham Lincoln is currently in the Indian Ocean. The specific composition of the "beautiful fleet" Trump mentioned remains unclear.
Trump also claimed the US "destroyed" Iran's nuclear capabilities following airstrikes on three of its nuclear facilities in June 2025. "Everyone waited 22 years for that, and we were finally right. They were then only a month away from developing nuclear weapons. We had to do this," he stated.
Military experts still debate the extent of damage caused by the US attack on Iran's uranium enrichment capabilities. Officials in Tehran maintain their nuclear program is for peaceful purposes and was not "completely wiped out" as Washington claimed.
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US President Donald Trump speaks in Clive, Iowa on 27/1. *AP*
In response, Tehran on 27/1 warned it would consider neighboring countries "hostile" if their territory was used to launch attacks on Iran. Mohammad Akbarzadeh, a political official with Iran's Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC), stated, "Neighboring countries are our friends, but if their land, air, and sea are used against Iran, these nations will be considered enemies."
On the same day, Iran issued an aeronautical notice (NOTAM) announcing military drills from 27-29/1 in an area with a radius of approximately 9 km near the Strait of Hormuz. These drills include live-fire exercises. Tehran stated that the airspace in this region, from the ground to an altitude of 7,600 m, was designated as restricted and dangerous during the exercises.
Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman spoke by phone with Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian, affirming the kingdom "will not allow its airspace or territory to be used in any military action" against Iran.
Tensions between Washington and Tehran recently escalated following anti-government protests that erupted in late December 2025 in Iran. These protests stemmed from merchants' dissatisfaction with the economic situation and the depreciating rial. Initially peaceful, the demonstrations later escalated into deadly violence.
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Location of the US USS Abraham Lincoln carrier strike group. *IEJ Media*
President Trump repeatedly mentioned supporting protesters, not ruling out airstrikes on Iran. However, Washington's allies warned him of prolonged consequences if such an attack occurred, leading the US leader to halt military action at the last minute. Iran later declared the protests had ended, with over 3,000 fatalities.
Despite this, the US continued deploying more assets to the Middle East. At least 12 F-15E fighter jets were sent to Muwaffaq Salti air base in Jordan, alongside transport and refueling aircraft deployed across the region. The Wall Street Journal reported that the US also sent additional patriot air defense systems and terminal high altitude area defense (THAAD) systems to the Middle East, aiming to enhance interception capabilities in case of an Iranian attack.
By Pham Giang (Sources: Reuters, TRT World, Al Jazeera)
